Sport

Henry Wharton in early talks to bring John Daly to his gym in Acomb

FORMER champion boxer Henry Wharton is bidding to land a major golf coup.

Wharton is in early talks to bring John Daly, one of the world’s most colourful golfers, to his Henry’s Gym in Acomb.

Daly, who goes by the epithet ‘Wild Thing’ is on a mini-promotional tour of England ahead of The Open championship, where, as a former champion - he won the coveted Claret Jug at St Andrews in 1995 - he is automatically guaranteed to play.

Wharton, who is still bubbling after the staging of his first show at his purpose-built gym in York Street, wants to gauge whether there will be enough interest in bringing to York the California-born golfer, who has been a whirlwind influence in his near 30 years as a professional.

The 48-year-old Wild Thing has a variety of associated businesses including a clothing range of the most colourful and zany designs, which goes by the name Loud Mouth, and a golf course design company. And only recently he has launched the Daly Cocktail, his own brand alcoholic drink with the slogan “grip it and sip it”.

No mean golfer himself - Wharton is a member at Fulford GC - he is a fan of Daly and with the club-wielder already booked into an appearance as part of his tour in Leeds next month, the York ring king is wondering whether York’s sports-lovers would be prepared to pay around £40 ticket for a visit of Daly, ideally on Sunday, July 13.

“Besides hearing the Wild Thing’s adventures, part of the tour includes playing golf shots against John on a simulator, while there would also be a chance of getting a photograph with him,” explained Wharton.

“I am only at the initial stages of talking with his people about trying to bring him to York, but I need to know if there would be enough interest in York, not just golfers but all sports-lovers.”

Anyone interested in attending, or maybe being involved in sponsorship of the day, can phone Wharton on 07543 636424.